Mr Evans said in a statement on Facebook: “Deepest apologies from me and Kate James to the parents and staff effected by the protest/demonstration, it wasn’t mine Kate’s or anyone else intention to harm or cause conflict or upset.

“We just wanted to take our son to give him the chance he deserves.”

Chief Inspector Chris Gibson said officers “recognise the sensitivities involved in this very difficult and sad situation”.

“This is extremely unhelpful for all concerned and we are investigating further to establish the full circumstances.

“We would like to remind the public that this is a hospital for sick children and it should not be forgotten that many families are going through extremely challenging and emotional times.

“We would ask protesters to respect families and staff, including the poorly children in the wards and to ensure that access to the hospital is not restricted at any time, so that services including the blood and ambulance service can run as efficiently as possible.”

He urged any victims of “intimidation or harassment” to report it to the police or hospital.

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Supreme Court justices might be asked to consider the case for a second time after Alfie’s parents, who live in Liverpool, used a piece of ancient English common law in their legal battle.

Mr Evans emerged from the hospital two hours after the decision was given by the court in London.

Wiping away tears and visibly shaking, he thanked supporters surrounding him and again asked for his son’s life not to be terminated and for other doctors to be allowed to “look after him”.

He added: “They can’t break us, we are never going to back down.

“Alfie, the family and all of our supporters are stronger than ever and we will keep fighting all the way.

“We will never give up on you Alfie.”

Protesters outside Alder Hey Children’s Hospital (John Stillwell/PA)

But the couple might make another application to the Supreme Court.

Judges have heard that Alfie, born on May 9 2016, is in a semi-vegetative state and has a degenerative neurological condition doctors had not definitively diagnosed.